High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Party Of The Year -- My Own Two Hands in Sisters Oregon

We hope to see you all for the party of the year in Sisters Oregon!  Yep – It's the annual (7th) My Own Two Hands Art Auction and Party!  Two wonderful and artful days in Sisters.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Annual My Own Two Hands Art Stroll
4:30 – 7:00pm
Downtown Sisters Participating Businesses  (Free event)
(Including High Desert Gallery with donation artwork by Nancy Becker, Paul Alan Bennett, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Patrick Horsley, Kimry Jelen, Lillian Pitt, and more)

Performing Arts Evening
6:30pm to late
Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon (Donation Cover Charge)
Local Musicians, Sisters Americana Project Students
and Sisters High School Jam Scene Brass Band

Saturday, April 12, 2008

7th Annual My Own Two Hands Art Auction & Party
6:00pm
Featuring Portland's '3 Leg Torso'
Tickets are limited.  Contact the Sisters Folk Festival for information and location.

The Sisters Americana Art Project is sponsored by The Sisters Folk Festival and a benefit for the Sisters Americana Project & Art Education in Sisters Oregon.  This year's theme artwork, "Reflection," a photograph by Brent McGregor is pictured to the left. 

For more information and to obtain auction tickets (you best hurry) call the Sisters Folk Festival at 541-549-4979.   You will be able to view the auction pieces prior to the auction at www.sistersfolkfestival.org .

See you at the My Own Two Hands Art Stroll!

---

It's winter now but I still like to paint bits of summertime from memory -- Kathy Deggendorfer

Spot Sits on The Cabin Porch...

We've been spending quite a bit of time out at the cabin this year. It's winter now but I still like to paint bits of summertime from memory.  I love the places where the creeks flow into the main river and you can catch little glimpses of those charming little cabins that are upstream.  These little cabins are quiet now but full of life all summer long.

"Spot Sits on the Cabin Porch" includes a little bit of what makes the Camp Sherman Oregon and the Metolius River area so special...  it's a place where a friendly pooch, like Spot ,can sit and soak up the sun and watch the river flow.  A place where you know it must be midday because the neighbor down the way came in for lunch and left his fishing vest hanging on the hook outside the door... he won't come out until dusk when the bugs come out and the fish jump.  Oh, and did you notice the neighbors got new sky blue cushion covers for their old comfy bench?

Kathy Deggendorfer – February 2008

“Spot Sits on The Cabin Porch,” an original watercolor on Paper by Kathy Deggendorfer.  Image: 21.75" x 7"  Professionally and Archival framing by High Desert Gallery with Frame size:  33" x 18.5" +/-   All rights reserved and © copyright 2008.

View More Kathy Deggendorfer Originals (including: Wishin' I Was Fishin' )

For inquiries please call High Desert Gallery at 1-866-549-6250  or purchase online at  Kathy Deggendorfer. For additional information about the artist and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 and toll free 1-866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .

About Kathy Deggendorfer:  Kathy Deggendorfer lives on a cattle and hay ranch just outside of Sisters, Oregon. Inspired by the color, pattern and texture of her surroundings, she creates vibrant and colorful watercolor paintings. Whimsical images of flowers and ranch life fill the paintings with color and life. "Folks tell me they just feel happy when they look at my work-- that makes me happy." 

Raised in Portland, Oregon, in a clothing manufacturing family, she says ,"Sewing skills skipped a generation with me... but I love fabric. I like to call my creations 'Painters Quilts.' I can prowl around the rounders full of prints at the Stitchin' Post with the best of 'em... I just put my fabrics in with a paintbrush."  Kathy's collaborative work with master quilter, Tonye Belinda Phillips, is another fun combination of painted image and textile interpretation.

Kathy is currently working on a project about Oregon Specialty Farming and sustainable farm practices.  This project takes her out into the fields of Oregon farms to paint and learn about what makes Oregon agricultural practices and people unique.  Trips to the cattle ranches of Eastern Oregon and vineyards of the Willamette Valley provide her with plenty of rich and colorful images.

Kathy's work is collected throughout the Pacific Northwest and reaches out to all corners of the United States. Represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, she has pieces in the permanent collection at Redmond Airport, 2007 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Artist, she wrote and illustrated a children's book for St. Charles Medical Center, and her work has been translated into clothing and fabric for Columbia Sportswear.  In 2005, Kathy was awarded 'Citizen of the Year' in Sisters Oregon for her contributions to the community and the arts.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kathy Deggendorfer exclusively in Central Oregon.

---

Central Oregon Symphony Winter 2008 Concert -- Grace Bishko

Last year, I was contacted by the Director of the Central Oregon Symphony, regarding a series of paintings I’ve done on musicians. Her idea was to use these images on the programs, as well as on symphony mailings. After several meetings, the idea was launched, and the first image, “The Cello”, was used on a brochure mailed to supporters of the Symphony. By Fall, 2007, the Central Oregon Symphony Program was redesigned for the first time in many years, and my painting of “The Flute” was on the cover, as well as on the poster for Music in Public Places, that took place in High Desert Gallery's Redmond art gallery.

The “Bass” is the program art chosen for the upcoming weekend winter concert, and has a snow setting – the painting is virtually white. The bass player, in his black overcoat, is carrying his instrument through the snow. His red hair is almost hidden by his shoulders hunched against the cold. Actually, we see very little of him and his bass, as he is entering the scene at this very moment. He is facing a row of frozen trees with their branches embracing each other against the cold. Surrounding all is the border of the painting – a rectangle of barren, brittle tree branches isolated by the winter sky.

I am honored to have my artwork associated with the Central Oregon Symphony.

Grace Bishko -- February 18, 2008

“Bass” by Grace Bishko, Oils on linen, 25” x 29” image, Framed 34.5" x 30.75" +/-

About Grace Bishko:  Grace lives in Central Oregon, hikes the trails, and paints her memories of what she has seen. A serious and honest painter, she paints from her heart and of her memories and experiences. Her imagery contains an ever so slight surreal edge to grab and retain the viewer’s attention, while at the same time satisfying their deep emotions and enjoyment. High Desert Gallery is truly honored to represent Grace Bishko. A nationally and internationally known artist.

In the 1970’s she decided to stop painting directly from “life,” and to develop a vocabulary that would allow her to paint through her personal feelings. Through education, and experimentation, her creative endeavors evolved in many stages. The results of this adventure are embedded in the artwork she is involved in today. Now, Grace is honored that her paintings are appreciated and understood across a wide multicultural expanse.

Winning all possible awards at the Cleveland Institute of Art, she went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers, The State University, Mason Gross School of the Arts. After receiving her M.F.A. degree, Grace taught life drawing at Rutgers, design at University of the Arts, and lithography at Moore College of Art. Since then, she has focused on her own art, exhibiting yearly in solo and group exhibitions.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Grace Bishko exclusively in Central Oregon.

For more information, to inquire or purchase "Bass" call High Desert Gallery (1-866-549-6250 x 3) or visit: Bass.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening December 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.

---

Press Release -- Myrna Dow receives top honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Myrna Dow receives top honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

Bend Oregon – February 15, 2008 – It's not often national or international honors are given to a small business owner in Central Oregon.  Myrna Dow, owner of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, recently competed with the best of the best  in Las Vegas and Dow's first-time entry garnered the top honor, First Place, and a Judges Award for High-Point First-Time Entry in the Open Competition.

The custom framing entries in the Open Competition ran the gamut of subject, style, and framing technique and were judged on four critical components including, overall impressions, design and creative elements,  technique, and critical assessment of skills.  The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) hosts custom picture framing completions in several categories during their Annual International PPFA 2008 - Leadership in Framing Convention held in Las Vegas in early February 2008.

Dow selected "John Day River", an original gouache on paper, for the Open Competition that was created by nationally known and collected Oregon Artist, Paul Alan Bennett.  The work has a wonderful combination of rich textures and vibrant colors. The frame design was created to allow the viewer to first look at the artwork and then to allow the eye to follow out to the frame.  The components of the frame package were pushed to their maximum using a stacked moulding combination, suede wrapped mats, and a fillet enhanced with gilt cream place on a warm metallic gold mat. The artwork was suspended so the viewers eye could go first to the art and then play back and forth within the frame design taking in the subtle colors and textures allowing the piece to shine.

Dow, owner, director, and professional picture framer of High Desert Gallery and Custom Framing has a background in the arts and framing industry spanning more than twenty  years. Earning a BFA in Graphic Arts from Portland State, Dow first started in the graphic arts field working for several large agencies and typehouses.  In the early 80's she began her career in the gallery business as a sales associate and gallery manager.  After several years, she migrated to the custom framing environment and mentored by an accomplished professional picture framer.  In 1999 Dow relocated to Central Oregon and soon thereafter established High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of  Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Opening December 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery  honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006 & 2007) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006). In February 2008, High Desert Gallery was awarded Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition.  For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About PPFA:  For 35 years, Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has served as the trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, and framing and art manufacturers/distributors. With more than 3,200 members, PPFA provides a growing array of services and benefits including the professional designations, CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® (CPF®) and MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER™ (MCPF™).   PPFA serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs that elevate professional standards, enhance profitability, and expand sales.  PPFA affiliated with Photo Marketing Association International® (PMA®) in October 2001. PMA® has more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries and provides an annual convention and trade show typically drawing more than 650 exhibitors and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 registrants.

About Paul Alan Bennett:  Award winning professional artist, educator, and art advocate, Paul Alan Bennett has garnered national attention. Paul's imagery is passionately detailed and manifests a unique perspective and style resulting in colorful, vivid imagery sought after and collected nationally. Honors graduate of Maryland Institute of Art and Master of Arts from The University of La Verne (Athens Greece), Paul has excelled in the field of watercolor and most recently in the release of a select group of Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Prints and worked closely with Pendleton Woolen Mills to release limited edition tapestry blankets. Paul's work has been reproduced for two Sisters Folk Festival Posters and the 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster. His style and perspective originate from memories, life experiences and travels that sparks many of the themes found in this Sisters artist's work.  Paul Alan Bennett's artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

Press Release Contact:
TDow, High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon
PO BOX 519 Bend, OR 97709-0519  Phone: 541-388-8964
Web Site: www.highdesertgallery.com

###

---

Four New Original Paintings by Paul Alan Bennett

I always liked the simple composition of The Healing Space but, over time, there were parts of the over-all design that bothered me.  For example, the blue in the upper left hand corner seem to come forward, competing with the attention I wanted to give to the feather.  Also, the shape of the clouds were too, well, intestinal and the mountains at the bottom seemed to need to be pushed back more.

Basically, it just needed to be simplified in color and design to bring clarity to the poetic power of the composition.

Paul Alan Bennett – February 2008
All rights reserved and © copyright 2008

Read about Paul's previous post (July 2006) on "Healing Space" (older image to  right).

"The Healing Space" and three additional original paintings by Paul Alan Bennett can be viewed and purchased online at:

The Healing Space

Water Sparks

Passage from the Metolius To Lake Billy Chinook

Wallowa Moon

To inquire please call High Desert Gallery in Redmond at 1-866-549-6250 x 2 or purchase online at www.highdesertgallery.biz . For additional information about the artists and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 and toll free 1-866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .

---

The Red Couch -- Paul Alan Bennett

The Red Couch -- I wanted to combine a furniture piece with a forest setting but not make it look like the piece had just been abandoned in the woods. Making it surreal by putting the feet and head of a woman on the pillows seem to put it more into that poetic realm I was reaching for.  Because the face is asleep, it also added a dreaming element that went along with this surreal intent. The piece offers much in the way of a painting about color- the reds against the greens.  My eye is drawn as much to this color theme as to the image of the woman sleeping.

Paul Alan Bennett -- 2008

"The Red Couch"  Image: 19.5" x 16"  Professionally and Archival framing by High Desert Gallery :  25" x 21" +/- Medium: Oil on Board.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2008.

For more information, to inquire or purchase "The Red Couch" call High Desert Gallery (1-866-549-6250 x 3) or visit: The Red Couch.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.

---

New City Hall and Centennial Park -- Downtown Redmond Oregon

The Redmond Oregon Downtown Redevelopment project got a well deserved shot in the arm last night!  The shot isn't the cure-all  and it won't provide downtown Redmond Oregon with immunity to economical downturns but it will go a long way to continue to move downtown Redmond in the right direction.  For the most part, the Redmond City Council's approval gave the City's Community Development Team the green light to formalize the Request for Qualification and Request for Proposal for Design Service for the NEW City Hall and NEW Centennial Park Project was a formality.  Although a formality for the public record and the input process, the green light should not be taken lightly.

It is critical that we (City, Business Community, Chamber et al.) get moving on the downtown core of Redmond.  The approval of RFQ/RFP is a step in the right direction. Heather of the City's Community Development Department did an excellent presentation last night.  The project will take a city block that is currently a blight and change it to a wonderful community civic center with park like open space and the plans call for professional landscape design standards.  The old, very tired and cramped City Hall will be leveled and a new building with expansion opportunities will replace the current City Hall.  Parking has always been a hot issue in city's and Redmond Oregon is no different.  The project calls for 50-150 new spaces to be build in addition to the spaces built under the new City Hall.  The only yellow flag I noticed in Heather's presentation was the additional 100 spaces would eat up about $3-4,000,000 of Urban Renewal money.  I'm hoping that enough money is left in the fund to start other projects that will have direct visual impact to the retail core of downtown.

And now the really good news .. The City is working on a very tight time frame so the new City Hall and Centennial Park (not the official name but I like it) will be ready July 6, 2010 – the city's Centennial Celebration!.  If all goes well the design process will start April 2008, contracts awarded November 2008, ground breaking December 1, 2008 and the dedication on July 6, 2010.  When is the first community concert scheduled?

Why does this matter?  The creation of a new city hall and civic park/center near the heart of downtown Redmond will provide a much needed boost in community pride.  Don't take me wrong – There is much community pride in Redmond and is reflected  in the renovation projects on SW 6^th street including the two new restaurants ( The Spot and The Brickhouse), the recent opening of Paulina Springs Books, relocation of Tiger Lily's and as most of you are aware, the complete renovation of the Butler Building that High Desert Gallery loves and occupies.   Unfortunately there are one or two building owners in the downtown core that haven't shown their support as they have chosen to rent their building spaces to businesses that require conditional use permits that may or may not be in the best interest of a downtown retail business district.  Ask yourself if a card room / gambling / gaming establishment is the best use of a store front in downtown Redmond.  The social gaming / card room establishments have every right to operate lawfully under the city codes and my issue isn't with the business owners but rather with the building owners that allow the use type in the downtown core.  The City's hands are tied.  The Business shop owners hands are tied.  But their spirits are not!

Now what about getting SW 5^th and 6^th Street to be more pedestrian friendly?  In a previous post we agreed with a Redmond Spokesman's editorial on “fixing” SW 5^th and 6^th street and not waiting for the bypass to be completed. Although there is not a lot of “work” being done on SW 5^th and 6^th streets I'm sure there is a bunch of work being done in the background and in offices of ODOT and the City Hall. There is work going on and plans being made. Correct?  We hope so as the bypass is ahead of schedule and the rumor is that the north bound lanes should open shortly with the south bound lanes to follow.  YES!  Now what about the balance of the Urban Renewal fund? ... Let's use some for parking but not too much! 

What do you think about social gaming and card rooms in the downtown business core?  An appropriate use or not?  What do you think about the New City Hall?  Got an opinion – Please share.

---

Event: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Preview Party With Paul Alan Bennett

Mark your calendar and save the date. Please plan on joining us on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for the Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett.  Paul will be in the High Desert Art Gallery in Sisters Oregon on Saturday and available to talk about his new work, the inspiration behind this years poster and he plans on signing a poster or two!  The 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM   poster will be available for sale during the event.  Come and view great art, new originals and prints, meet and chat with Paul while enjoying live music, great food and refreshments.  The event is free and open to the public.  A Hoot For Sure!

It's a busy weekend in Sisters!  Also schedule the same week is the Stitchin' Post Customer Appreciation Weekend held in Sisters Oregon on April 18^th , 19^th and 20^th , 2008!   Like the good folks at the Stitchin' Post say .... Help us celebrate “you,” our customer, at our 2nd annual Customer Appreciation Days celebration on April 18, 19 and 20. There will be “Stay and Play” free demonstrations, refreshments, and drawings for six $100 gift certificates (good for Twigs home accessories, yarn, fabric, books, patterns, and notions). Place your name in a drawing for a Viking Sapphire 850 sewing machine from Morrow’s Sewing Center. Also, we will have hourly specials announced throughout the weekend. Best of all, you can meet and have books and patterns signed by Karen Stone, Leigh Radford, and Valori Wells and Carolyn Spencer. Don’t forget to check out and sign up for the quilting and knitting workshops from Karen Stone, & Leigh Radford during this weekend.  For more information on the weekend of activities at the Stitchin' Post visit:  Customer Appreciation Weekend at the Stitchin' Post!

If you miss the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett you can catch him at High Desert Gallery during Quilters Affair Week ... Plan on joining us for an  Artist Reception on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 3:00 - 6:30 PM.  Great Art, new original paintings and prints, lively conversation, meet and chat with Paul and enjoy live music and great refreshments.  A Hoot for Sure.  A great way to wind down after a long day of classed during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilters Affair week!

For more information on this and all of High Desert Art Gallery's events in Sisters, Redmond and Bend Oregon  call 866-549-6250 x 3 or download our print friendly calendar at: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF) or visit our events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com .

For additional information about the artist, the work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery's online art gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz

Original artwork by listed artist(s). All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.  Subscribe to our Feeds:  Follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TM is a trademark of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show and used with permission.

 

---

Fresh Paint. New Wall Color. New Paul Alan Bennett

When we designed the High Desert Art Gallery in Redmond Oregon three years ago we spend a good amount of time picking paint colors for the walls, trim and the original (1915) tin ceiling.  Over the last couple of years we have really come to appreciate the look and feel of the long and narrow gallery with its open feeling.  The tall ceilings and specialized lighting has produced a great showroom and a wonderfully renovated space in the historic Butler Building.  The wall color has proven to be a blessing and really shows the artwork.  The best way to describe the color is to relate it to food – It's a warm rich light caramel or maybe a light butternut squash.  You know, the color when flan is perfectly carmalized during the cooking process. – You can almost taste the color.

Why post on our wall color in our Redmond Oregon Art Gallery?  Well it's a slow day in Sisters Oregon – No (but yes).  Actually we have started painting our Sisters Oregon Art Gallery the same color.  Last night we started the process and painted three walls and have three to go.  The gallery was completely rearranged with Sharron Bliss' work up front and center and Paul Alan Bennett's work on the main gallery wall.  Needless to say – You can taste the paint.  The color is so warm and inviting. 

Myrna, Gallery Director, is shown hanging a new original painting by Paul Alan Bennett.  If you look hard you can tell the difference in the wall color as the wall to her left is the old “white” and the main wall is the new “tasteful” color.

Please stop in and take a look.  We paint at night so don't worry we won't give you a paint brush and ask for a bit of your time.  Next on the agenda is to get rid of the gallery work station and reduce the size of the desk area and move all the files and “stuff” to our administration office.  Changes are in the works!  The gallery will be completely ready for our next Sisters Oregon Gallery artist receptions on Friday, April 11^th  ( My Own Two Hands ), Saturday, April 19^th ( Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett ), and Saturday, May 24^th ( Artist reception for Lillian Pitt ).  For a complete listing visit our previous events posting or our online calendar at: www.events.highdesertgallery.com .  To print the complete events calendar visit: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF)

Come to Sisters and taste our walls!

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz

---

Looks like the CASA Auction for Children was a big success!

In a previous post we mentioned that we donated the custom picture framing for Kathy Deggendorfer's beautiful watercolor of a Portland Oregon city scape titled “Big City View.”    Kathy relayed to us that the “Voices for Children” auction and dinner had gone well and they (the organization) had raised some good funds for the cause. To refresh your memories ... CASA For Children is an organization that supports and acts as advocates for children, through no fault of their own, are under the protection of the Juvenile Courts.   The annual auction plays a significant role in raising critical funding to help abused and neglected kids in Multnomah and Washington Counties.  According to the letter we received yesterday, the 17^th annual CASA Voices for Children Auction & Dinner raised over $350,000 after expenses – the most ever!

If you want to get in on the action and support – Save the date for next year's auction:  January 31, 2009 at the Oregon Convention Center.

About CASA:  Each year, thousands of children in Multnomah and Washington (Oregon) Counties become wards of the juvenile court system because they have been victims of abuse and neglect. While many of these children remain at home while efforts are made to provide safety, others are placed in foster or other substitute care placements.  Due to complex home situations and lack of resources, some children can spend years in foster care until they are reunited with their birth families, or placed in an adoptive home. Oregon's child welfare system can only devote so much time and attention to each individual case. That’s where CASA steps in.  To Read More visit About CASA.  Beth Hohnstein created the artwork (image above) to help children.

For additional information about Kathy and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com   or call 541-388-8964. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond Oregon and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and  Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

---